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One lucky couple has beaten extraordinary odds to win £1m on the National Lottery – for the second time.
Richard Davies, 49, and Faye Stevenson-Davies, 43, first scooped a seven-figure jackpot playing the EuroMillions Millionaire Maker in June 2018.
And now they have done it again by matching five main numbers and the Bonus Ball in the Lotto draw on 26 November – the chances of which are more than 24-trillion-to-one, say experts.
“We knew the odds of it happening again were outrageous, but we’re proof that if you believe anything is possible,” said Faye, from mid Wales.
But, as Richard explained, their second win was not a case of simply picking the right numbers.
“It came to us through a series of four consecutive Lotto draws,” he said.
“When you match two numbers in the Lotto draw, you automatically win a Lucky Dip for the next game and that’s what’s happened to us.
“We matched two numbers and won a free Lucky Dip from one draw which put us into the next draw and so on, until the winning draw on 26 November.”
According to experts at Allwyn, operator of the National Lottery, the odds of Richard and Faye winning both the EuroMillions Millionaire Maker and then five numbers and the bonus ball on Lotto are over 24-trillion-to-one.
However, this latest windfall is unlikely to change the couple’s community-minded attitude.
Former hairdresser Richard uses his skills at a shelter for the homeless in Cardiff, a project which received vital National Lottery funding, while also helping out friends by working as a delivery driver.
Meanwhile, ex-nurse Faye is a volunteer cook at Cegin Hedyn community kitchen in Carmarthen, while also providing mental health counselling services to local organisations such as Brecon & District Mind charity.
“The first time we won we gifted people cars, donated a minibus to the local rugby team and did our best to help friends and family,” said Faye, who will even be working on Christmas Day.
“It was all new and it was amazing to be able to make a difference.
“This time around, who knows? We’re just going to take our time and enjoy the moment.”
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales Drive, Andrew said going public this time was “something we didn’t do lightly”.
“Since the first one we’ve been involved in quite a few events with the lottery and charity,” he said.
“There’s so much good out there and at the moment there’s so much doom and gloom on the news. It’s just a bit of cheer really.”
Andy Carter, senior winners’ adviser at Allwyn, said: “I can still remember the day I met Richard and Faye for the first time, and it’s just as special to be with them as they celebrate their second £1m win.
“I saw the positive impact of that first win and know this second one will be just as meaningful.”
